The DarkLight Cover/Calibrator, known going forward as DLC, is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solution using an Arduino Nano, servo motor, and if desired, an Electroluminescent (EL) Panel. This device aims to act as a dust cover for remote telescope users, and a calibration panel if desired. With the DarkLight, fully compliant, ASCOM driver, the cover can be operated using the DLC Windows application or any automation software supporting the ICoverCalibrator driver in ASCOM v6.5 or newer.

While this device DOES NOT make the scope weatherproof, it is an excellent addition to any observatory to accomplish hands-off control of the cover. If elected, it can be expanded to include a hands-off dark/light calibration capability for astrophotography.

The application, Arduino firmware, driver, manual, and schematics are available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/darklight-cover-calibrator/

There are currently two versions of 3D parts, which have been designed for the Takahashi FSQ-106N and the Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series but may fit other telescopes depending on their size. The two variations will fit dew shields with an outside diameter of approximately 146.3mm and 156mm, respectively.

All files can be printed on beds that are at least 200 mm.

UPDATE

An option for a RC12 have been uploaded. For more details about print settings or build visit:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/darklight-cover-calibrator/

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FILES TO PRINT:

The *_el_cover.stl file will need to be printed two times.

There are 8 files to download for the FSQ-106:

fsq106_cover.stl
fsq106_ring.stl
fsq106_el_cover.stl
fsq106_container.stl
fsq106_servo_arm.stl
universal_servo_mounts.stl
universal_back_panel.stl
universal_back_panel_notched.stl

There are 9 files to download for the ED102:

ed102_cover.stl
ed102_servo_arm.stl
ed102_arm_base.stl
ed102_el_cover.stl
ed102_ring.stl
ed102_container.stl
universal_servo_mounts.stl
universal_back_panel.stl
universal_back_panel_notched.stl

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PRINTER SETTINGS:

all parts:

layer height: 0.2 mmwall thickness: 0.8mmwall line count: 2top/bottom thickness 0.8mmtop layers count: 4bottom layers count: 2z-seam alignment: shortest infill: 20%infill pattern: cubic subdivision

container, cover, ring:

build plate adhesion: brim 5 line countsupport placement: everywheresupport overhang: angle 67%support pattern: zig-zagsupport pattern: concentricsupport density: 20%

el_cover:

no supportbuild plate adhesion: skirt

servo_arm:

build plate adhesion: skirt

arm_base:

no supportbuild plate adhesion: skirt

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Hardware needed to assemble parts:

14 (4x1/4) or Black Chromate #4 pan head sheet metal screws
(4 to secure arm & 10 to secure panel cover)

*Everything below is stainless steel

2 M3 x 8 pan head machine screw
Attach arm to servo

3 2-56 x 3/16" pan head machine screws
Secure cover & PCB

2 M3 x 10 .50 pitch pan head screws
Attach USB port

2 6-32 x 1" flat head machine screws
Attach base to ring

2 6-32 hex nuts
Attach base to ring

2 6-32 x 3/4" pan head machine screws
Clamp ring to telescope

2 6-32 nylon stop nuts
Clamp ring to telescope

2 2-56 x 3/8" pan head machine screws
Mount Transformer

2 2-56 hex nuts
Mount Transformer